This lesson explores the role of tin in pigments, from lead tin yellow to cobalt cerulean blue. We will also explore is role in lake pigments since its use as a mordant.
Objectives
- Understand the role of tin in historical and modern pigments.
- Identify the spectral characteristics of tin, including K and L lines.
Materials
- Pure tin sample for baseline analysis.
- From Pigments Checker STANDARD: lead tin yellow, cobalt cerulean blue, and yellow lake Reseda.
- NOF (No Filter) setup for spectral enhancement.
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to Tin in Pigments: Discuss the historical use of tin in pigments, including lead tin yellow and cobalt cerulean blue, and its role in lake pigment production.
- Pigment Spectral Analysis: Examine the spectra of lead tin yellow and cobalt cerulean blue, focusing on tin’s K and L lines and other elemental peaks (lead and cobalt).
- Unexpected Tin Detection: Analyze yellow lake Reseda pigment, observe weak tin signals, and discuss the role of tin salts as mordants in lake pigment production.
- Enhanced Detection with NOF Setup: Demonstrate the use of the NOF setup to enhance weak L alpha signals of tin in yellow lake Reseda.
